'After buying so many cars': MKP taunts Buthelezi after royal dismissal

King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has dismissed Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) member Thulasizwe Buthelezi as Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch, marking a significant shift in leadership within the royal administration. The decision came following a meeting with the king’s newly appointed spokesperson, Mpikayise Buthelezi, who is also a member of the Buthelezi clan. The move was welcomed by members of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), which holds a majority in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, as they celebrated the removal of Buthelezi during a legislative session on Wednesday. Buthelezi, who had held the position since 2024, was initially appointed during the commemoration of the 2024 Battle of Isandlwana. However, he was later dismissed later that year and reinstated at the end of 2025. This marks the second time he has been removed from the role. The king’s office stated that Buthelezi would continue serving in his current governmental portfolio, though his duties as Traditional Prime Minister were terminated. Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, the MKP leader in the province, was appointed as the new Traditional Prime Minister. Chiliza, who previously served as Deputy Traditional Prime Minister, will now advise the king and manage the Office of the Traditional Prime Minister. The transition follows a period of internal restructuring within the royal office. In recent weeks, King Misuzulu dismissed his previous spokesperson, Prince Thulani kaGqikazi Zulu, and Prince Khishwengubani Zulu resigned from his position as Head of the King’s Private Office just over two months after assuming the role. These changes suggest a broader realignment of power within the royal household. During the legislative session, four MKP members openly expressed their approval of Buthelezi’s removal. One of them, MKP Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) Silindile Seme, took a pointed jab at Buthelezi, referencing the controversial procurement of vehicles under his tenure as KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Seme remarked, “We sympathise with him… after buying so many cars,” seemingly alluding to the acquisition of Chinese-brand GWM P-Series double cab bakkies and American SUVs Ford Territory for traditional leaders. The king’s decision was announced by his newly appointed spokesperson, Mpikayise Buthelezi, who emphasized that the king had instructed him to inform the Zulu nation of the change. The statement noted that Buthelezi would continue serving in government in his current capacity, while Chiliza would take on the new role. The king’s office also issued a statement thanking Buthelezi for his service and urging support for Chiliza among the royal family, amakhosi, izinduna, and the broader Zulu community. The future of the Deputy Traditional Prime Minister position remains uncertain. It is unclear whether the role will be retained or eliminated altogether. Meanwhile, the ongoing tensions between the MKP and the IFP persist, as the IFP continues to play a key role in the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) alongside the ANC, Democratic Alliance (DA), and, until recently, the National Freedom Party (NFP). The MKP has consistently criticized the coalition, alleging that the IFP has strayed from its political mandate. As the royal administration undergoes further adjustments, the focus now shifts to how the new leadership will navigate the complex political landscape of KwaZulu-Natal. The implications of these developments remain to be seen, particularly as the king’s office continues to assert control over key appointments and decisions.